Match week 10 of the ISPS Handa Premiership was full of goals and some significant moves within the chasing pack.

Hamilton Wanderers’ win over Team Wellington lifts them to third and crucially robbed the men from the capital of the chance to get some clear air. Waitakere United and Eastern Suburbs both scored plenty in their respective victories, while Auckland City also found a way to win and stay clear at the top at home to Hawke’s Bay United.

Tasman United were meanwhile on fire in a South Island derby in Blenheim, putting five unanswered goals past Southern United.

Eastern Suburbs made a big statement at English Park against Canterbury United, rocking the home team 6-1 this afternoon. The Dragons’ high point came in the first minute when Calum Ferguson headed the opener but it was one-way traffic from there. Suburbs led 4-1 at the break and, despite a much-improved defensive effort from the home team in the second half, there was no way back.

Suburbs’ Adam Thurston and Martin Bueno both scored twice, while Christian Gray and Reid Drake hit one each, in the comprehensive performance that puts Suburbs firmly in the hunt for the play-offs.

Wellington Phoenix Reserves and Waitakere United played out the match of the round with the visitors scoring with one of the last kicks of the game to win a seven-goal thriller. The lead swapped back and forth throughout, with both teams leaving everything on Porirua Park.

Going into additional time trailing 3-2, Byron Heath’s second goal looked to have saved a point for the Phoenix, before Alex Connor-McClean scored a dramatic winner in the sixth minute of additional time to secure three important points on the road. 

Eastern Suburbs had plenty to celebrate in their big win (Photosport)

Hawke’s Bay took a shock lead at Kiwitea Street through a Bill Robertson effort from a corner but Auckland City flipped the game on its head shortly afterwards when Myer Bevan and Angel Berlanga scored within a minute of each other.

Hawke’s Bay drew level when Angus Kilkolly pounced on a loose ball in the area but a fine Bevan solo goal put City in front once more, before All White Cam Howieson popped up late to make the scoreline safe for the league leaders. 

Hamilton Wanderers took a crucial three points through Derek Tieku’s early goal, along with a determined defensive effort, to upset second-placed Team Wellington. Jordan Lamb made a darting run down the wing, before crossing to Brock Messenger to shoot and Tieku headed in the loose ball to take a lead the hosts wouldn’t give up.

Both teams attacked in the Porritt Stadium heat but Team Wellington couldn’t convert any of the several chances they created.

The win puts Wanderers in third place and just three points from second, having played one game less than Wellington.

Tasman United treated the Blenheim fans to a comprehensive win over Southern United on Saturday, smashing five to force their way into the top four. New Caledonia international Jean-Philippe Saiko got things underway with a fine individual effort, before skipper Fox Slotemaker made it two within 15 minutes.

Debutant Ben Watson scored a screamer, with Jesse Randall and Cory Vickers also getting on the scoresheet in a fine team display.

For the table and more information on the ISPS Handa Premiership please click here

ISPS Handa Premiership Match Week 10

Tasman United 5 (Jean-Philippe Saiko 6’, Fox Slotemaker 15’, Benjamin Watson 55’, Jesse Randall 60’, Cory Vickers 69’)
Southern United 0
HT: 2-0

Canterbury United Dragons 1 (Calum Ferguson 1’)
Eastern Suburbs 6 (Adam Thurston 29’, pen 73’, Christian Gray 37’, Martin Bueno 41’, 45’, Reid Drake 83’)
HT: 1- 4

Hamilton Wanderers 1 (Derek Tieku 11’)
Team Wellington 0
HT: 1-0

Wellington Phoenix Reserves 3 (Byron Heath 22’, 90 + 2’, Riley Bidois 52’)
Waitakere United 4 (Jake Porter 12’, Dane Schnell 27’, Nicolas Zambrano 54’, Alex Connor-McClean 90 + 6’)
HT: 1-2 

Auckland City 4 (Myer Bevan 37’, 65’, Angel Berlanga 38’, Cameron Howieson 90 + 1’)
Hawke’s Bay United 2 (Bill Robertson 34’, Angus Kilkolly 54’)
HT: 2-1

Article added: Sunday 19 January 2020